Tom Brady secured a Super Bowl for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just after signing a deal with them after parting ways with the New England Patriots. The New York Jets projected a similar outcome when they acquired Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.
From having an incredible training camp session to bonding well with the teammates, Rodgers showcased every potential to live up to the lofty expectations as well. However, his season-ending injury shattered all hopes. With Zach Wilson at the helm in the absence of A-Rod, Gang Green is going down only. Meanwhile, the four-time MVP’s recent update has once again sparked rumors about his early return.
Jets consider earlier return for Rodgers
November started with a hint about the potential comeback timeline of Rodgers, as he posted a clock image on his Instagram story along with the caption, “A little more time”. The four-time MVP has been bold about his early return to action and even claimed he is “ahead of schedule“.
However, the signal-caller has been tight-lipped about the exact timeline of his return. Meanwhile, NBC Sports’ Melissa Stark said he was targeting a mid-December return, albeit he later dismissed the claim. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports revealed the veteran is eyeing starting practice with the Jets as soon as December 2, via NBC Sports.
Jay also noted the Gang Green squad is awestruck by A-Rod’s improvement, as he sent a workout video to them, and reportedly they are also considering an earlier return for him. The Jets head coach Robert Saleh earlier said they would defer the decision to play to the signal-caller.
Ahead of the present time frame, A-Rod’s late-December return was predicted by the NFL community as the football prodigy revealed on “The Pat McAfee Show” before Week 10 about his plan to start playing in “a few fortnights”—a tenure of two weeks. If the signal-caller’s early estimation turns out to be true, he could play the Jets match against the Commanders on Dec. 24.
NFL Insider cautions Aaron Rodgers against returning
After tearing his Achilles in his debut match with the Jets on Sept. 11, Rodgers underwent “innovative surgery” to facilitate his recovery process. The veteran boldly claimed to resume play this season during his public appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Sep. 15, and since then, his gradual improvement has been raising eyebrows in the NFL community.
Just days after sustaining the potential season-ending injury, A-Rod was spotted walking on crutches without a walking boot, and he is now a regular guest at almost all of the Jets games as well. Meanwhile, NFL Insider Josina Anderson advised the four-time MVP npt to “risk all of next season” to make a quick return this season.
Earlier, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the signal-caller might resume play when the Jets are in potential playoff contention. However, Anderson said the veteran should think twice before considering such “a huge gamble”.
The analyst provided her reason behind the take, saying that if A-Rod sustains another gruesome injury, it would be even more devastating for him. Given the huge blow of a torn Achilles, Josina said it would not be wise for the dual-threat to consider an early return, no matter how confident he could feel in his abilities.
What’s your take on this? Do you think that Aaron Rodgers is gambling his health for an early return? Tell us in the comments.
